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The Training of Spiritual Gifts SCHEDULE AND GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This "Training on Spiritual Gifts" is a one-day course normally given to all members on their second year of membership in SFC. However, Chapter Heads may decide to give this course even earlier, depending on the needs perceived and the adaptability to the first year formation schedule. Also, the Chapter Heads can exercise flexibility in deciding to give the training not just in one day but over a period of time (e.g., over two weekends). I. Schedule

8:00 - 8:30 AM Arrival and Fellowship 8:30 - 8:45 Welcome/Introduction/Announcements 8:45 - 9:15 Worship 9:15 - 10:00 Talk 1: WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS? 10:00 - 10:30 Merienda Break 10:30 - 11:15 Talk 2: GIFT OF HEALING 11:15 - 12:15 PM Prayers for Healing 12:15 - 1:15 Lunch Break 1:15 - 1:30 Afternoon Praise 1:30 - 2:15 Talk 3: GIFT OF PROPHECY 2:15 - 2:30 Stretch Break 2:30 - 3:15 Talk 4: GIFT OF PRAISE AND TONGUES 3:15 - 3:45 Merienda Break 3:45 - 4:30 Open Forum 4:30 - 6:00 Prayer Meeting

II. Resource Persons

A. Course Master (in charge of whole course)

B. Worship Leader

C. Speakers

D. Elder (at least a senior Unit Head) for the Open Forum

E. Prayer Meeting Leader

F. Guitarist

G. Service Team

H. Household Leaders of the participants

Note: Some of the above may be the same person.

III. Resource Materials

A. Attendance sheets (one for morning and one for afternoon)

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B. Sound system

C. Video or audio recording (recommended)

D. Participants' handouts on the talks

E. Merienda (twice)

IV. Role of the Chapter Head (CH)

A. The CH decides when this course is to be given and in what form it is given (i.e., one day or otherwise).

B. The CH appoints a Course Master (unless it is the CH himself) and guides

him in all aspects of the course. C. The CH assigns the various resource persons needed. He may delegate this

task, however, to the Course Master but would still have to approve the latter's choices.

D. The CH would normally make himself available for the Open Forum and

Prayer Meeting afterwards. If not, the CH should designate a senior Unit Head to handle these.

V. Arrival and Fellowship

A. A registration table is set up. Attendance is taken both in the morning and in the afternoon.

B. All participants should wear their ID cards.

C. The music ministry should start singing at about 8:25 am in order to signal the impending start of the session.

VI. Welcome/Introduction/Announcements

A. The Course Master welcomes the participants.

B. The Course Master gives a quick rundown of the day's activities. He describes the course and runs through the schedule. He suggests preparing their questions for the Open Forum.

C. The Course Master makes any necessary announcements.

1. About venue (location of comfort rooms, etc.).

2. About arrangements for merienda and lunch (if any).

3. About the book table.

D. The Course Master exhorts the participants to open up their hearts and minds to the Lord.

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VII. Morning Worship

A. This is a time for singing songs of praise and for praising God aloud. The worship leader should give an exhortation to praise and worship at the start.

B. Readings from Scripture and prophecies may be brought forward during this

time. C. The leader ends with prayers of thanksgiving and petition (prayed by him and

not by the participants individually).

VIII. Prayers for Healing

A. The Course Master gives instructions for this time of prayers for healing. B. Normally, the participants are members of household groups. The groupings

for the healing prayers will be according to these household groupings. Men and women form separate groups.

C. Each participant is prayed for individually, one after the other. Before being

prayed over, he/she can indicate any particular area(s) that he/she wants to be prayed over for healing.

D. The household head leads in the prayers, though the other household

members/participants should also articulate prayers as they are led. E. In case there are other participants whose households are not present, they

should be assigned to groups by the Course Master, who prior to the course should already know who the participants will be and how they form into different groups.

F. The group members can move on to lunch as soon as their group finishes.

IX. Afternoon Praise

A. The Course Master or his designate handles this portion. B. This is just a time for singing songs of praise, ending within 15 minutes with a

short prayer by the leader.

X. Open Forum

A. This portion should be handled by an elder, most often the Chapter Head.

B. Questions may be asked directly or written anonymously on sheets of paper.

XI. Prayer Meeting

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A. This is a regular prayer meeting, with emphasis on the use of the gift of praise and tongues and the gift of prophecy. It is, so to speak, putting into practice what has been talked about during the day.

B. The components of the prayer meeting are:

1. Songs and Loud Praise

2. Singing in Tongues

3. Prophecies and Scripture readings

4. Sharings

5. Intercession + Closing remarks and Prayers

C. The Chapter Head or his designate handles this portion.

The household leaders should participate actively during worship and prayers. They should stir up the gifts of prophecy and inspired Scripture reading in order to be able to demonstrate to the participants the application of the teachings. Of course it is hoped that the participants themselves would stir up these gifts and speak before the body.

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST THE TRAINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TALK NO. 1: WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS? Speaker's Outline

I. Introduction

A. Rationale for this training = 1 Corinthians 12:1. " Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.

B. Christians in general are ignorant of spiritual gifts.

1. We in SFC are more aware, due to our prayer meetings, books, etc. However, we need more understanding.

2. Spiritual gifts are very important to our life as Christians, as members of SFC and the Church.

C. The Bible says that we should expect these gifts.

1. Mark 16:15-16. And he said to them, " Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptised will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.”

SFC is an evangelistic movement. Spiritual gifts are part of an evangelist's life.

2. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophecy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end.

Expect the gifts until Christ's second coming.

II. Spiritual gifts

A. Key text: 1 Corinthians 12 to 14. These are Paul's special instructions about spiritual gifts to the Church.

1. Nine different gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-10. Now there are varieties of

gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another the gifts

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of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongue, to another the interpretation of tongues.

a. These are different from the 7 gifts taught to us in catechism. These

are the gifts found in Isaiah 11:2, which are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

b. There are different types of spiritual gifts. The 7 are for strengthening of each individual Christian. The 9 are charismatic gifts for the upbuilding of the body.

2. The 9 gifts are described as "manifestation" of the Spirit (1 Corinthians

12:7). Thus, where spiritual gifts operate, the Spirit is at work.

a. The gifts make us aware of God's presence.

b. The gifts make us aware of God's power.

3. Thus it is a mistake to say the:

a. Gift of healing is what doctors have.

b. Gift of tongues is ability to speak a foreign language.

c. Gift of interpretation are what Berlitz translators have.

4. Other lists of spiritual gifts:

a. Romans 12:4-8. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us...

b. 1 Peter 4:10-11. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

B. The Teaching Gifts

1. The first 2 are teaching gifts.

These are special inspirations by which God works through one person to give understanding to another person or group of people.

Example: Advice to an individual. Teaching to an assembly.

2. Wisdom in Discourse or Utterance (Word) of Wisdom

a. This gift is concerned with the best way to live.

b. This is God's guidance on how to live as a Christian.

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Mark 10:20. Christ to rich young man. He said to him, "Teacher, I

have kept all these since my youth."

1 Corinthians 12-14. Paul's Practical Teaching

3. Power to Express Knowledge or Utterance (Word) of Knowledge

a. This is more of doctrinal teaching.

b. Speak an understanding of a truth of the mystery of Christ.

Paul regarding God's plan in Ephesians 1.

C. The Sign Gifts

1. The next 3 are sign gifts.

a. These are gifts that manifest the power of God in the world in a particularly striking way.

b. They call attention to God's reality.

c. They confirm the truth of God's message.

The healing experienced by many in Lourdes. People turn to Christ because of them.

2. Faith

a. Does not refer to the faith by which Christians believe and turn to Christ. This faith is given to all. This is what makes one a Christian.

b. The charismatic gift of faith seems to be a special gift of prayer. Praying with a God-given confidence that produces extraordinary results. It's knowing that what one asks for will be given.

c. Mark 11:23-24. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea" and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

1 Kings 18. Elijah vs. 450 prophets of Baal.

This is a God-given faith. One can't work oneself into such faith.

3. Healing

a. Does not refer to the power of prayer for healing which is part of the ordinary life of a Christian Community.

b. James 5:14. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the Church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.

c. St. James here refers to a special gift of healing.

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4. Miracles

Less common, but miracles still happen today.

D. The Revelational Gifts

1. The next 4 are revelational gifts.

These are gifts by which God makes known something about the present situation to

his people.

2. Prophecy

This is the gift by which God speaks through a person a message to an individual or to a whole community.

3. Discernment of Spirits

a. The gift by which a person is able to tell whether in a situation what is at work is the Holy Spirit, an evil spirit, or just man's own spirit.

b. A kind of a vision or a sense. 4. Tongues

Basically of two kinds: First is a gift of prayer, and second is as a message to a

community.

5. Interpretation of Tongues

a. Does not refer to the abilities of an interpreter of languages. The one who exercises this gift does not even understand the tongues. What is spoken in tongues may not even be an actual language.

b. Like in prophecy, there is an urging to speak words. What is spoken is an accurate interpretation.

III. Spiritual Gifts, the Individual and the Community

A. Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

1. Where spiritual gifts operate, Christians are much more vividly aware of the presence and power of God.

2. Gifts are given to build up the community.

a. 1 Corinthians 12:7. Followed by section on the body and members. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

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b. Here we see the difference between the 7 gifts and the 9 charismatic gifts. The 7 are for the individual, the 9 for the community.

3. 1 Corinthians 12:5. "Ministries" or "service" and there are varieties of

services but the same Lord.

a. Gifts are a service for the community.

b. Gifts are not primarily for personal benefit.

c. Rather, the gifts equip one for service in the community.

d. Thus Paul ends Ch. 12 with a list of various services. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess the gift of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

4. Gifts are tools or resources. They are equipment given by God for the

work Christians are to do in the world.

B. Spiritual Gifts and Holiness

1. Gifts are to be used in a loving way to build up the community.

a. 1 Corinthians 13:1 -3. If I speak of tongues of mortals and angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And If I have prophetic powers, and understand all the mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith ... but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

b. Paul is not playing down spiritual gifts. Not saying they are valueless if there is no love (after all, healing is healing!).

Rather: I am nothing if I do not love.

Point: There is a difference between charismatic power and holiness.

The measure of a person is holiness, not charismatic power.

c. This is the same point in Matthew 7:21 -23.

Jesus is not saying that they didn't prophesy, etc. But this is not what makes a man his disciple; it is doing God's will, being holy.

2. Love is at the very life of a Christian community.

3. Spiritual gifts are not a sign of holiness.

Rather, they are equipment for working to build up the Christian

community in holiness.

C. Seeking Spiritual Gifts

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1. 1 Corinthians 14:1. Pursue love and strive for spiritual gifts and especially that you may prophesy.

a. Paul's attitude is so different from many Christians who are reluctant

to receive gifts.

b. Paul even commands.

2. Paul's attitude makes sense because the gifts are desperately needed in the Church today.

If the gifts are for building up, then they are really valuable.

3. How to Obtain the Gifts:

a. Biggest obstacle: not being open to them; not wanting them

Reasons:

Fear of God, i.e., bringing God too close for comfort.

Desire to do things ourselves.

Not wanting to yield or surrender to God.

b. We need to be open.

Gifts are given freely, but not forced on us.

c. Have faith!

Galatians 3:5. Well then, does God supply you with the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you by doing the works of the law, or by believing what you have heard?

Faith is the means to obtaining the gifts.

IV. Conclusion

A. Much of the Church today is lacking in vibrancy and effectiveness. Much of the liturgy, sermons, and parish programs are "Dead"!

1. A question: How is our parish council meeting different from say, a Lions

Club meeting?

2. If the Holy Spirit leaves, 97% of church activities would go on without disruption.

3. We have allowed the church, which is the channel of God's grace and manifestation of his life, to become a mere human institution.

4. There is a similar danger for us in CFC Singles for Christ, even when we seem charismatic. Are we just going on our own steam?

B. It is the Holy Spirit that gives life. And spiritual gifts are a part of it.

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1. God calls us to a charismatic life.

2. Make full use of the charismatic gifts.

3. Use these gifts not just at prayer meetings, but in day-to-day life.

4. 1 Corinthians 10:31. So whatever you eat and drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

5. Be aware of the Spirit's presence and activity, not only at times of corporate worship, but as we go about our daily activities.

V. Reference Material

"Spiritual Gifts" by Stephen B. Clark

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST THE TRAINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TALK NO. 1: "WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?"

Participant’s Outline

I. We should expect spiritual gifts to be a part of our lives.

A. Mark 16:15 -18 B. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10

II. Spiritual Gifts

A. Key text: 1 Corinthians 12 to 14 B. Nine Different Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-10. The Charismatic Gifts C. Listings of Other Gifts: Isaiah 11:2, Romans 12:4-8, and 1 Peter 4:10-11

III. Grouping of Gifts

A. The Teaching Gifts:

1. Wisdom in Discourse 2. Power to Express Knowledge

B. Sign Gifts

1. Faith 3. Miracles 2. Healing

C. Revelational Gifts

1. Prophecy 3. Tongues 2. Discernment of Spirits 4. Interpretation of Tongues

IV. Spiritual Gifts, the Individual and the Community

A. Gifts are given to build up the community. 1 Corinthians 12:7 B. Gifts are a service for the community. 1 Corinthians 12:5 C. Gifts are tools or resources used by Christians to carry on God's work in the

world.

V. Spiritual Gifts and Holiness

A. Gifts are to be used in a loving way to build up the community. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

B. Love is at the very life of a Christian community.

VI. Seeking Spiritual Gifts

A. Our attitude: 1 Corinthians 14:1 B. Gifts are desperately needed in the Church today. C. How to Obtain the Gifts

1. Be open. Want them. 2. Have faith. Galatians 3:5

VII. Suggested Reading: "Spiritual Gifts" by Stephen B. Clark

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST THE TRAINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TALK NO. 2: GIFT OF HEALING

Speaker's Outline

I. Introduction

A. We need to understand healing from the perspective of our relationship with God as our Father. Share a personal experience of God as a Father.

B. Luke 11:1-4 and 11-13

1. Jesus sets the tone of our relationship with God. He is our Father; we His

sons and daughters.

2. Because God is our Father, He will give us what is good for us, not because He wants to prove that He loves us, but simply because He loves us.

3. One of the basic things our Father wants for us is good health, i.e., the wholeness of man – mind, body and emotions.

4. If we believe that God is love, then it is easy for us to believe that healing is an ordinary, not extraordinary, sign of His compassion and love.

II. Attitude of Jesus towards healing.

A. Mark 1:40-41

Jesus is saying the same thing to us. "Of course, I want to heal you".

B. Jesus preached not only with words but also with deeds. He preached salvation and victory over the devil. 1. He preached repentance and forgave those who have sinned and

repented.

2. He healed those who were sick.

III. Four Basic Kinds of Prayers for Healing

A. The four kinds are:

1. Prayer for repentance – for personal sin.

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2. Prayer for inner healing – for emotional problem.

3. Prayer for physical healing – for physical sickness.

4. Prayer for deliverance – for demonic oppression.

Note: It is important for us to know that different kinds of sickness require different prayers so that we will be able to help people the way they should be helped.

B. Forgiveness of Sin

1. Mark 2:1-12

2. Forgiveness of sin is the first and deepest kind of healing that Christ brings.

3. There seems to be a connection between much of our sickness and our spiritual or emotional health.

It may be helpful to consider praying for repentance or inner healing

before praying for physical healing. 4. Involved is not only our asking forgiveness from God but also our own

forgiveness for others.

5. The sacrament of reconciliation is strongly recommended.

C. Inner Healing (of hurts caused by wrong upbringing or painful experiences)

1. Jesus who is the same yesterday, today and forever can take the memories of our past, heal them from the wounds that still remain and affect our present lives, and fill with His love all these places in us that have been empty for so long.

2. We pray for inner healing when we are held down in any way by the hurts of the past.

3. How do we pray for inner healing?

a. Prepare for it. Do not pray on impulse.

b. Choose a place that is quiet and private.

c. As much as possible, except when spouses pray for each other, women should pray with women and men with men.

d. This prayer is usually done with another person, seldom alone. Because even the talking out of the problem can in itself be a healing process.

e. The person being prayed for brings to light the things that have hurt him/her. Sometimes, if the hurt is deep and very private, the person has the option to skip details.

f. Use imaginative prayer.

g. Pray so that the Lord may heal the binding effects of the hurtful incidents of the past.

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D. Physical Healing

How to pray for this:

1. Listen – to find out what to pray for.

2. Lay hands – to communicate love and concern.

3. Verbalize your prayer.

a. Use ordinary speaking voice. No need to shout.

b. Turn over your heart and mind to Jesus.

c. Ask for the healing. Be specific. Visualize if you can (e.g., think of the person up and well rather than down and sick).

d. When praying in a team, listen to one another. Do not pray independently. Be one in your prayers.

4. Pray with confidence.

a. Trust that it is God's ordinary will to heal the person who asks.

b. However, do not put pressure on the person being prayed for by demanding that he express faith in the healing.

5. Pray with thanksgiving.

6. If you do not know what to pray for or are not sure what is God's will in a situation, it is better to pray in the Spirit.

E. Deliverance

1. This is a prayer said in the name and authority of Jesus in order to free a

person oppressed by evil spirits.

2. When is deliverance indicated?

a. When there is “compulsion” – the inability to change even after doing everything possible to achieve self-discipline.

b. When inner healing does not seem to accomplish healing.

3. How to pray for deliverance?

a. Prepare for it. Fasting is excellent preparation.

b. Pray with a team but assign a leader.

c. Preliminary interview or familiarity with the case is important.

d. Choose a private room. Do not allow an audience to watch.

e. The person being prayed with should be fully aware of what is happening.

f. Prayer is a command to the demonic forces, ordering them to depart in the name of Jesus.

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g. Pray with authority. Do not hesitate or hedge. Be decisive.

4. If follow-up cannot be provided or if no Christian support can be ensured, hesitate to pray for deliverance because healing cannot be completed.

IV. Points to Remember

A. Healing is no special magic gift reserved for a few.

1. Families are encouraged to pray.

2. Anybody can pray, even children (especially for physical healing).

B. Do not despise doctors and medicine.

1. Medicine is not opposed to faith in the healing power of God.

2. Sirach 38:1-15

C. There is no definite technique or pattern to prayer for healing. Even Jesus healed in various ways.

D. In praying for others, be free of the need to prove anything. Healing is not a

test of faith but a natural response to God's generous love.

E. Ask God to meet your needs but do not tell Him when or how to do it.

F. When we pray, our faith is in God and not in our own faith.

G. Jesus should always be the center of our prayers.

H. Abstain from any form of healing prayers that are not Christian. E.g., faith healing and any healing connected with spiritualism or witchcraft.

V. Conclusion

End with exhortation to make prayers for healing an ordinary occurrence in our families and in our life together in CFC Singles for Christ.

VI. Reference Materials:

A. "Healing" God's Work Among Us" by Fr. John Bertolucchi

B. "To heal as Jesus healed" by Barbara Shlemon, Dennis Linn and Matthew Linn

C. "Healing Prayer" by Barbara Shlemon

D. "Inner Healing" by Michael Scanlan

E. "Healing of Memories" by Dennis Linn and Matthew Linn

F. "Spiritual Warfare" by Michael Harper

CFC Singles for Christ

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST THE TRAINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TALK NO. 2: THE GIFT OF HEALING

Participant’s Outline

I. Understanding healing from the perspective of our relationship with God as our

Father.

Luke 11:1-4 and 11-13

II. Attitude of Jesus towards healing. Mark 1:40-41

III. Four Basic Kinds of Prayers for Healing

A. Prayer for repentance – for personal sin. Mark 2:1-12

B. Prayer for inner healing – for emotional problem.

C. Prayer for physical healing – for physical sickness.

D. Prayer for deliverance – for demonic oppression.

IV. Points to Remember

A. Healing is no special magic gift reserved for a few. Families are encouraged to pray for healing.

B. Do not despise doctors or medicine. Sirach 38:1-15

C. There is no definite technique or pattern to follow.

D. Be free of the need to prove anything.

E. Ask God to meet your needs but do not tell Him when or how to do it.

F. Our faith is in God and not in our own faith.

G. Jesus is always the center of our prayers.

H. Abstain from any form of healing prayers that are not Christian.

V. Prayers for healing should become ordinary occurrences in our families and in our life together in CFC Singles for Christ.

VI. Suggested Readings

A. "Healing: God's Work Among Us" by Fr. John Bertolucchi

B. "To Heal as Jesus Healed" by Barbara Leahy Shlemon, Dennis Linn and Matthew Linn

C. "Healing Prayer" by Barbara Leahy Shlemon

D. "Inner Healing" by Michael Scanlan, T.O.R.

E. "Healing of Memories" by Dennis Linn and Matthew Linn

F. "Spiritual Warfare" by Michael Harper

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST THE TRAINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TALK NO. 3: GIFT OF PROPHECY

Speaker's Outline

I. Introduction

A. Prophecy is a useful tool for building up the Christian assembly gathered in prayer.

1. As a body of committed Christians, it is very important for us to hear the

Lord and do what He commands. One of the ways that God speaks to us is through the gift of prophecy.

2. 1 Corinthians 14:1. "Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, above all, the gift of prophecy." Among the manifestations of the Holy Spirit or the spiritual gifts, prophecy can most contribute to the good of the whole.

B. It is important for us to understand it, yield to it, and respond to it. The

questions most often asked about it are: What is it? How do I know when, what, and how to prophesy? How do I judge and respond to it? How do we grow in the gift?

C. The speaker may share his own initial positive experience of hearing and

responding to a prophecy during a prayer meeting.

II. What is Prophesy?

A. Common Misconceptions

1. Words delivered in an "ecstatic" or trance-like state.

That is not Christian prophecy. Paul says specifically that, "The spirits of the

prophets are under the prophets' control, ..." (1 Corinthians 14: 32-33)

2. Prediction of Future Events

Prediction clearly occurs in true prophecy, but it is only part of the gift. Some people

who are not Christians at all can predict future events successfully, yet we cannot

accept their "prophecies" (as we shall define in a while) as God's word to us.

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B. Proper Notions

1. Prophecy is a gift by which God speaks a message through a person to a

specific person or group of people. a. Haggai 1:13. "Then the Lord's messenger, Haggai, proclaimed to the

people the message of the Lord: `I am with you'".

b. A good way of understanding prophesy is that it is giving a message from the Lord to His people. It is delivered by a person who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, uses his own voice and words to make known the message of God.

c. The Lord commissions a person from among the people and gives him a message to bring to His people.

2. Purpose: 1 Corinthians 14:3 "He who prophesies speaks to men for their

upbuilding and encouragement".

Through prophecy He wants to encourage us when we are disheartened; urge us on when we are serving Him faithfully; direct us when uncertain; warn us when moving towards danger; console us when suffering; inspire us when our zeal is lacking or diminished.

3. There are four (4) distinct purposes for which God gives the prophetic gift

to His body:

a. Encouragement, Exhortation

Act 15:32 records prophets Judas and Silas "encouraging and strengthening"" the believers at Antioch.

It is intended to revive a person's spirits, to strengthen him and give him hope. Words like "I love you" or "I am with you" received with faith can be profoundly encouraging.

b. Conviction, Admonition, Correction

The Holy Spirit will reveal to us our sins, so that we can turn away

from them and be freed from its tyranny and escape condemnation.

Example: "... Put away from yourselves your anger, your

jealousy,.." "Turn your hearts back to me".

c. Inspiration

Inspirational prophecy is not so much concerned with

communicating information as with evoking a response.

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Exodus: To lead the community in a worshipful response to God. At those times, the important thing is to respond to God, not to remember the exact words of the prophecy.

d. Guidance

The guidance that we receive from God can apply to important

directional matters as well as to specific individual needs.

In Acts 11:27ff, God spoke through prophecy and warned of a famine. That actually occurred and the prophecy prepared the Christians for it.

In Acts 13, a prophetic instruction was received: God wanted Paul and Barnabas to depart on a missionary journey.

C. Receiving a Word from God

1. Receiving the Words of the Message

a. Some people find this almost like listening to a tape recorded

message – they seem to hear a voice speaking. Others find thoughts forming in their minds without any effort or direction of their own: the thoughts just come.

b. However it happens, a complete message soon forms itself, and the person speaks out the words he has been given.

2. Receiving the Sense of a Message

We are given a very clear sense or understanding of the message; however, we may not immediately know how to say it or with what words to express it. And so we need to supply the right words ourselves.

3. Receiving the First Words of the Message

People who prophesy will sometimes receive neither the words nor the sense of the message. Instead, they will receive only a word or two. If they are convinced that those few words begin a full prophetic message, they can simply begin to speak out. As they do so, the rest of the message will be given them.

D. Delivery of Message/Prophetic Utterance

1. Style and Expression

a. Prophetic oracles. These are brief, direct communications to God's

people, usually delivered in the first person as if God Himself were speaking. Oracles are very common. They normally begin with "My people, ..." "The Lord says, ....".

b. Prophecy in song. Such a prophecy is usually chanted or sung to an inspired melody. It is sung not for dramatic effect but because it is inspired by the Holy Spirit.

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c. Visions. These normally need interpretations.

d. Prophecy in Tongues with Interpretations

2. Manner and Timing

a. Since the Lord uses an individual as his vehicle of communication, the words of the prophecy will be consistent with the way the person speaks and the language and style a person uses in a prophecy are under the person's control.

This means the person prophesying has a responsibility to speak

the prophecy in words that people can understand. This also means delivering the prophecy in a simple, straightforward way, speaking loudly enough so everyone present can hear, and avoiding unnecessary drama.

b. Prophecies must also be delivered in the right place and at the right

time. Prophesying is very appropriate during a prayer meeting but follow the order of the meeting on the proper timing.

c. Some people argue that placing restrictions on the exercise of the gift stifles the Holy Spirit. Actually these simple guidelines are in keeping with St. Paul's instruction to exercise the gifts "properly and in order". (1 Corinthians 14:40)

E. Commissioning (or Anointing)

1. God gives you the message and the authority to proclaim it in His name;

and when proclaimed, the Holy Spirit does things among the people: He unleashes His power. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

Example: A simple "I am with you" is no great revelation but the power that goes

with that word of God would certainly bear fruit.

2. How can I tell if the Lord is commissioning me? He stirs up a feeling or

conviction in us to speak in His name. This is the action of the Holy Spirit as He prepares a person to exercise some spiritual gift. This is also called the "anointing to prophesy".

3. Sometimes, the urge to prophesy is accompanied by physical sensations (wind blowing, shivering, quivering, quickening of the heart, etc.). But not always.

4. Sometimes, these can get in the way or confuse us if we always would depend on such physical sensations.

a. These sensations are not by themselves anointing.

b. One example: At a prayer meeting you felt what seems to be an anointing but did not speak. And then somebody spoke out the message you were hearing the Lord wanting you to prophesy about.

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That feeling or conviction might well be a genuine anointing which you did not respond to.

5. When we get anointing, we should simply speak out. Many people never

speak out in prophecy because they want to be absolutely sure. It's OK to make mistakes. None of us can ever be totally sure unless we say it and give others the chance to judge or test or weight the prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:39. "Let 2 or 3 prophets speak and let the others

weigh the prophecy".

III. Growing in the Gift

A. As Hearers

1. Pray that the Lord will speak to us directly, especially through the gift of prophecy.

2. Expectantly wait for the word of the Lord to come.

3. Respond in faith, obedience, and prudence.

4. Listen and be familiar with the voice of the Lord through regular prayer. Meditate and reflect on the prophecies spoken to us.

B. As Prophets

1. All of "A" above

2. "Stir up the gift.” Put yourself in readiness to receive a prophecy from God. Do not "prophesy by your own power": work up a prophecy by yourself. However, put aside selfish ambition and take on an ambition to serve.

3. Speak when you receive an anointing to prophesy.

4. Be open to receive feedback and correction. It often helps to talk with others who prophesy. Share your experiences and difficulties with them.

5. Be submissive to God in the way you prophesy. You should prophesy to whatever extent God gives you the ability to prophesy; neither holding back a gift you have received, nor reaching out to grasp something God has not given you.

6. Be submissive to the body of Christ. Be obedient to your elders.

7. Be patient: faithfully and peacefully keep at something over a long period of time. Persevere in your determination to grow.

8. Be grateful to God.

IV. Concluding Remarks

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A. The gift of prophecy is not essential to salvation. Yet, to decide that we will do without prophecy just because it is possible to do without prophecy is to settle for less, just because we can settle for less.

B. Today, God desires to speak directly and clearly to His people, warning them, building them, and giving them direction. Let us desire the gift of prophecy and respond to it that our effectiveness is serving God and our neighbor will increase.

V. Reference Material

"Prophecy" by Bruce Yokum

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST THE TRAINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TALK NO. 3: GIFT OF PROPHECY

Participant’s Outline

I. Prophecy is a gift by which God speaks a message through a person to a

specific person or group of people. II. Purposes of Prophecy

A. Encouragement, Exhortation

B. Conviction, Admonition, Correction

C. Inspiration

D. Guidance III. Different Types of Prophetic Utterances

A. Oracles

B. Prophecy in song

C. Visions

D. Prophecy in Tongues (with interpretation) IV. The giving of the gift of prophecy is a commissioning by God to proclaim his

message, backed by His authority to proclaim it in his name. V. We need to grow in the gift of prophecy:

A. As Hearers.

B. As Prophets. 5. Suggested Materials

A. "Prophecy” by Bruce Yokum

B. "Word Gifts" by Fred Lilly

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST THE TRAINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TALK NO. 4: GIFTS OF PRAISE AND TONGUES

Speaker's Outline

I. Introduction

A. Spiritual gifts, including those of praise and tongues, are the work of the Holy Spirit. They are freely given and are to be freely received.

B. These gifts are given for our personal individual growth as well as for the

growth of the body (communal). C. Our use of the gifts and our experience of them are manifestations of God's

presence and power.

II. The Gift of Praise

A. Eight Reasons Why Everyone Should Praise God

1. God Commands It in His Word

a. Matthew 4:10; Psalms 150:6

b. There are many more places in the Bible where God commands us to praise Him. Many psalms commence with the command "Praise the Lord".

c. Not to praise God is to disobey Him.

2. Praise is proper for the upright.

a. Psalms 33:1. Some Christians feel that praising God and rejoicing in Him is unseemly and improper.

But the Bible projects the opposite view.

b. Psalms 92:1. Praise has a beneficial influence. It is good, helpful, healthy, therapeutic. There is a healthy release to be had from praising God that benefits the whole person.

3. God dwells in the praises of His people.

a. Psalms 22:3. God inhabits our praises. If our heart is filled with

praise, it is also filled with God for He inhabits our praises. This is also true of our home or our church.

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b. We can surround ourselves with God's presence through cultivating the attitude of praise. We shall then be more conscious of His presence than of problems, difficulties, etc.

4. Praise glorifies God.

Psalms 50:23. Every time we offer praise, we uplift, magnify and

glorify our God. As Christians our whole objective and desire in life should be to glorify God.

5. Praise generates power.

a. Psalms 84:4-7. The man who praises God has the Lord for his strength.

b. This kind of man also knows the joy of the Lord through a life of praise, and the joy of the Lord is his strength. Nehemiah 8:10

6. The praising soul learns to "delight himself in the Lord" and God gives

him the desires of his heart.

Psalms 37:4. Too many people say "If only God would grant me the desires of my heart, how I would praise Him for it." The Divine Order is the reverse. We praise Him and then He gives us the desires of our heart.

7. Praise precedes victory.

a. 2 Chronicles 20. Story of King Jehoshaphat leading God's people into

battle. He appointed musicians and singers to march ahead of the army (v.21). The result was disaster for their enemies.

b. Imagine an army being led by singers and people praising God. How strange! But though the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (natural), nevertheless they are mighty and can pull down Satan's strongholds.

c. As we go into battle for the Lord today, we should do so with a realization of the power of praise. Going forth praising God is going with faith and victory. We can then experience God fighting and working on our behalf.

8. Praise is a protection against backsliding.

a. No person ever backslides who maintains a life of praise to God.

b. Example: Job. He did not backslide because he steadfastly maintained his praise to God even in the most trying circumstances.

B. Characteristics of Using the Gift of Praise

1. Praise begins from the heart and manifests itself.

a. Psalms 57:7; Psalms 86:12

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b. Real praise begins in the heart. It is the expression of our feeling, sentiment and desire towards the Lord. It is the very depth of our being, the seat of our emotions. It begins in the heart (musing, meditation, etc.) and issues forth in a physical manifestation.

2. Praise is audible. * Psalms 66:8

Praise can be done:

a. With shouting. Psalms 47:1, Psalms 35:27

b. With singing. Psalms 47:6, Psalms 100:2

c. With a joyful noise. Psalms 66:1-2, Psalms 95:1

d. With laughter. Psalms 126:2

e. With clapping. Psalms 47:1

f. With musical instruments. Psalms 150

3. Praise involves physical participation.

a. Clapping

b. Lifting up one's hands. Nehemiah 8:6, Psalms 134:2

c. Dancing. Psalms 150:4, Exodus 15:20

The Hebrew and Greek words translated "dance" with a variety of interpretations including "leaping", "skipping", "lifting up the feet", etc.

Acts 14:10, Acts 3:8

For the Israelites, dancing was an accepted form for expressing great joy and victory. Psalms 149:2-3

Dancing ceases when joy ceases. Lamentations 5:15

Dancing returns when joy returns. Jeremiah 31:13

4. Praise involves the totality of our being.

a. Psalms 103:1

b. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. We are a tri-partite being composed of spirit, soul and body.

Spirit. Luke 1:47 Soul. Psalms 103:1 Body. Psalms 145:21

5. Praise is to be done continually, at all times, and in all places.

a. Psalms 34:1, 1 Chronicles 16:6, Psalms 35:27, Hebrews 13:15

b. In order to praise the Lord continually and at all times, we must of necessity worship Him everywhere and in all places.

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III. The Gift of Tongues

A. Two aspects

1. Praying in tongues, which we use to praise.

1 Corinthians 14:14, Acts 2:4

2. Speaking in tongues, which God uses to teach (revelational) and followed by interpretation.

3. Note: This talk focuses on the first aspect.

B. Misconceptions vs. Reality Regarding This Gift

1. The Holy Spirit forces you to speak in tongues.

a. Reality: The Holy Spirit never forces anyone.

b. With total respect for us whom he has created, God gently makes the grace available to us. It is up to us to cooperate. Galatians 4:5-7

2. When you first speak in tongues, you are also going to have a very

dramatic and tremendous emotional experience.

a. Some manifestations: trembling, flapping the hands, hitting oneself, distorting the mouth, and gnashing the teeth.

b. Reality: Our God is a gentle and loving God. The spirit we receive is a spirit of worship and praise, not one of violence and hysteria.

3. If the Holy Spirit wants you to receive the gift, then you will. So let it just

happen; you don't have to do anything. "Bahala na" attitude.

a. So you just sit there with you mouth shut and your arms crossed.

b. Reality: We need to approach the Lord with expectant faith, believing that if we ask we will receive. Then we need to open our hearts, minds, our whole being to Him.

C. Praying in tongues often leads to singing in tongues.

IV. Closing.

Use the gifts of praise and tongues in personal prayer, household meetings and prayer assemblies.

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CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST THE TRAINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

TALK NO. 4: "GIFTS OF PRAISE AND TONGUES"

Participant’s Outline

I. Spiritual gifts are the work of the Holy Spirit. They are freely given and are to be

freely received. They are given for our personal individual growth as well as for the growth of the body.

II. Reasons why everyone should praise God:

A. God commands it. Matthew 4:10, Psalms 150:6

B. Praise is proper for the upright. Psalms 33:1

C. God dwells in the praises of His people. Psalms 22:3

D. Praise glorifies God. Psalms 50:23

E. Praise generates power. Psalms 84:4-7

F. God gives to one who praises Him the desires of his heart. Psalms 37:4

G. Praise precedes victory. 2 Chronicles 20

H. Praise is a protection against backsliding. III. Characteristics of using the gift of praise.

A. Praise begins from the heart and manifests itself. Psalms 57:7, Psalms 86:12

B. Praise is audible. Psalms 66:8

1. Shouting. Psalms 47:1, Psalms 35:27 2. Singing. Psalms 47:6, Psalms 100:2 3. Joyful noise. Psalms 66:1-2, Psalms 95:1 4. Laughter. Psalms 47:1 5. Clapping. Psalms 47:1 6. Musical instruments. Psalms 150

C. Praise involves physical participation.

1. Clapping 2. Lifting up one's hands. Nehehmiah 8:6, Psalms 134:2 3. Dancing. Psalms 150:4, Exodus 15:20

D. Praise involves the totality of our being – spirit, soul, and body. Ps 103:1.

E. Praise is to be done continually, at all times, and in all places. Psalms 34:1, 1Chronicles 16:6, Psalms 35:27, Hebrews 13:15

IV. Two Aspects of the Gift of Tongues

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A. Praying in tongues, which we use to praise. 1 Corinthians 14:14, Acts 2:4

B. Speaking in tongues, which God uses to teach (revelational) and followed by interpretation.

V. Misconceptions Regarding the Gift of Prayer Tongues

A. The Holy Spirit forces you to speak in tongues.

Reality: Holy Spirit never forces anyone.

B. When you first speak in tongues, you are going to have a very dramatic and tremendous emotional experience.

Reality: God is gentle and loving. The Spirit we receive is a spirit of

worship and praise, not one of violence and hysteria.

C. "Bahala na" Attitude

Reality: We need to approach the Lord with expectant faith.